A California man, originally charged with disturbing allegations of secretly filming a young Massachusetts girl, entered a guilty plea today to a child exploitation charge, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Jacob Guerrero, 23, of Woodland, faced the federal court in Boston, acknowledging his crime against an 11-year-old girl in her own home.
Guerrero, who fell into the government's crosshairs on April 14, 2022, received November 13, 2024, as the date set by U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton for sentencing. While in the supposed safety of her bedroom, Guerrero recorded the girl as she changed clothes—the act of a "predator," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office announcement. Jodi Cohen, FBI Special Agent in Charge, condemned Guerrero's actions, stating, "Today, Jacob Guerrero admitted to depraved behavior."
Over a period of two weeks, Guerrero meticulously observed the victim's home, taking notes on the family's personal routines before ultimately positioning himself atop their garage to film the unclothed girl from her second-floor window. This behavior extended beyond one household; Guerrero tracked the movements of children in multiple Massachusetts homes.
This case was unveiled during an investigation into Guerrero's earlier conduct, trying to secretly record minors at the Wrentham Outlets using pen cameras on his shoes. This act, shrouded in deception with wigs and women's clothing, led to state charges, which were later dismissed in favor of a federal indictment. Concerned citizens with any related inquiries or information are encouraged by officials to come forward and call 617-748-3274.
Guerrero's plea agreement stipulates a prison term ranging from 15 to 20 years, as mentioned by the U.S. Attorney's Office. The severe nature of the exploitation charge mandates a sentence of up to 30 years, a minimum of five years of supervised release following imprisonment, and potential fines of a quarter-million dollars. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, along with federal statutes, will direct the judge's final decision regarding Guerrero's sentence.
Levy, FBI SAC Cohen, and Wrentham Police Chief William McGrath were central in bringing the announcement to light, with assistance from the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor in this poignant case is Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady, Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Unit. This case is also part of the broader initiative, Project Safe Childhood, an effort initiated in 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at shielding children from exploitation and abuse through the collaboration of local and federal authorities.
